Comments on: House Churches, Isolationist and Cult-like? http://www.georgebarna.com/2010/01/house-churches-isolationist-and-cult-like/ Facilitating A Spiritual And Moral Revolution Tue, 07 Sep 2010 01:33:07 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: Skyler Daniel http://www.georgebarna.com/2010/01/house-churches-isolationist-and-cult-like/comment-page-1/#comment-1827 Skyler Daniel Tue, 17 Aug 2010 02:10:11 +0000 http://www.georgebarna.com/?p=159#comment-1827 Well, the Bible's a pretty good book and the Holy Spirit's a pretty awesome and active God. "Church" isn't about getting goosebumps when you walk in a sanctuary, its about embodying Christ. Let's trust the Word and the Spirit when it comes to cell groups for accountability etc. Well, the Bible’s a pretty good book and the Holy Spirit’s a pretty awesome and active God. “Church” isn’t about getting goosebumps when you walk in a sanctuary, its about embodying Christ. Let’s trust the Word and the Spirit when it comes to cell groups for accountability etc.

]]> By: Elizabeth http://www.georgebarna.com/2010/01/house-churches-isolationist-and-cult-like/comment-page-1/#comment-401 Elizabeth Mon, 19 Apr 2010 05:03:27 +0000 http://www.georgebarna.com/?p=159#comment-401 Saw the headline of your post and laughed, because I was in an established and they were cult-like and are isolationists of a sort. What are these leaders talking about? Some churches are already like this! Would love to be in a house church, but a former house church planter in my area said that Malaysians 'don't see a need' for house churches. So, where does it leave folks like me? I tried to return to the church, but my whole being rebelled against it and I had to 'withdraw' outside again. I realise now that I cannot return there because I don't want to be mollycoddled and treated like a spiritual infant again. It's time to go out in the world and be Christ to people. So, bumbling along, I have begun volunteering in organisations quietly and hope to find a gathering I can belong to somehow. There's an alternative church gathering that seems promising... What I'm doing is listening to the Lord and just seeing where he leads me. I wish the pastors/teachers who make careless remarks like these about folks like me would realise how much we love the Lord, and how much we want to bless the world. They really need to stop feeling threatened by us, or feeling like they need to 'rescue' us. What they need to do is support us in our God-given mission to love and edify the world. Saw the headline of your post and laughed, because I was in an established and they were cult-like and are isolationists of a sort. What are these leaders talking about? Some churches are already like this!

Would love to be in a house church, but a former house church planter in my area said that Malaysians ‘don’t see a need’ for house churches.

So, where does it leave folks like me? I tried to return to the church, but my whole being rebelled against it and I had to ‘withdraw’ outside again. I realise now that I cannot return there because I don’t want to be mollycoddled and treated like a spiritual infant again. It’s time to go out in the world and be Christ to people.

So, bumbling along, I have begun volunteering in organisations quietly and hope to find a gathering I can belong to somehow. There’s an alternative church gathering that seems promising…

What I’m doing is listening to the Lord and just seeing where he leads me. I wish the pastors/teachers who make careless remarks like these about folks like me would realise how much we love the Lord, and how much we want to bless the world.

They really need to stop feeling threatened by us, or feeling like they need to ‘rescue’ us. What they need to do is support us in our God-given mission to love and edify the world.

]]> By: David Delgado http://www.georgebarna.com/2010/01/house-churches-isolationist-and-cult-like/comment-page-1/#comment-264 David Delgado Mon, 15 Mar 2010 22:44:13 +0000 http://www.georgebarna.com/?p=159#comment-264 Start your own Prayer Group... Start your own Prayer Group…

]]> By: David Delgado http://www.georgebarna.com/2010/01/house-churches-isolationist-and-cult-like/comment-page-1/#comment-258 David Delgado Mon, 15 Mar 2010 14:44:18 +0000 http://www.georgebarna.com/?p=159#comment-258 House Churches are Biblical Philemon 1 (NIV) 1Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon our dear friend and fellow worker, 2to Apphia our sister, to Archippus our fellow soldier and to the church that meets in your home: 3Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Thanksgiving and Prayer 4I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, 5because I hear about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints. 6I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ. 7Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints. Church in thy house-In the absence of a regular church building, the houses of particular saints were used for that purpose. This is a factual trend House Churches are Biblical

Philemon 1 (NIV)

1Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother,

To Philemon our dear friend and fellow worker, 2to Apphia our sister, to Archippus our fellow soldier and to the church that meets in your home:

3Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Thanksgiving and Prayer

4I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, 5because I hear about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints. 6I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ. 7Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints.

Church in thy house-In the absence of a regular church building, the houses of particular saints were used for that purpose.

This is a factual trend

]]> By: Jim Roberts http://www.georgebarna.com/2010/01/house-churches-isolationist-and-cult-like/comment-page-1/#comment-207 Jim Roberts Mon, 22 Feb 2010 20:14:23 +0000 http://www.georgebarna.com/?p=159#comment-207 Small house churches or large building churches...both have been contaminated/corrupted by modern antinomianism. Paul has been replaced by an ANTI-Paul due to erronious spins on his writings. This invention will lead to the acceptance of ANTI-Christ. The key terms of "gospel", "grace" and "saved" are so corrupted/misdefined that sanctification/regeneration has taken a huge hit. Small house churches or large building churches…both have been contaminated/corrupted by modern antinomianism. Paul has been replaced by an ANTI-Paul due to erronious spins on his writings. This invention will lead to the acceptance of ANTI-Christ. The key terms of “gospel”, “grace” and “saved” are so corrupted/misdefined that sanctification/regeneration has taken a huge hit.

]]> By: Jim Roberts http://www.georgebarna.com/2010/01/house-churches-isolationist-and-cult-like/comment-page-1/#comment-206 Jim Roberts Mon, 22 Feb 2010 20:04:30 +0000 http://www.georgebarna.com/?p=159#comment-206 Many preachers are ruined by the seminaries Many preachers are ruined by the seminaries

]]> By: Regina Morales http://www.georgebarna.com/2010/01/house-churches-isolationist-and-cult-like/comment-page-1/#comment-189 Regina Morales Mon, 15 Feb 2010 22:43:03 +0000 http://www.georgebarna.com/?p=159#comment-189 I am a product of a house church. My pastors have taken the time to disciple, mentor, and hold me accountable. How many church pastors in the churches today will pour their lives into you. My pastors are absolutely awesome. I am a revolutionary and a minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ today because of this house church training. Prior to my attending a house church, which was the final straw for me, I belonged to two mid-sized churches. I left both of those churches grieving and heart broken because of the complacency, corruption, and the immorality. Numbers equal money; not getting souls saved. The training and the love I have received in this housechurch I have never experience in today's church building. How blessed I am. We have worship; the kind of worship that ushers in the presence of God. As we grow we will require a larger facility, but right now I am going to stay in my housechurch in Antioch, California until the Lord tell us otherwise. (The disciples were first called Christians in Antioch) Acts 11: 26. If you are in the Northern Califoria area give us a call we would love to fellowship with you. The Carpenter's Shop International (925) 778-0800 I am a product of a house church. My pastors have taken the time to disciple, mentor, and hold me accountable. How many church pastors in the churches today will pour their lives into you. My pastors are absolutely awesome. I am a revolutionary and a minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ today because of this house church training. Prior to my attending a house church, which was the final straw for me, I belonged to two mid-sized churches. I left both of those churches grieving and heart broken because of the complacency, corruption, and the immorality. Numbers equal money; not getting souls saved. The training and the love I have received in this housechurch I have never experience in today’s church building. How blessed I am. We have worship; the kind of worship that ushers in the presence of God. As we grow we will require a larger facility, but right now I am going to stay in my housechurch in Antioch, California until the Lord tell us otherwise. (The disciples were first called Christians in Antioch) Acts 11: 26. If you are in the Northern Califoria area give us a call we would love to fellowship with you. The Carpenter’s Shop International (925) 778-0800

]]> By: Brian Fassette http://www.georgebarna.com/2010/01/house-churches-isolationist-and-cult-like/comment-page-1/#comment-181 Brian Fassette Sun, 14 Feb 2010 19:42:17 +0000 http://www.georgebarna.com/?p=159#comment-181 I firmly believe that the Church is a body and not a building. i believe the biggest problem today is that we worship our denominations and the preachers who are NOT all called of God just because they stand behind a pulpit. Also we as christians are not under the law any longer where we call a day The Sabbath(rest). Jesus is now our sabbath (Heb4 ) and He even said that He was The Lord of so in Him I fulfill The Sabbath. To much law and too much ritual have made the Word none effect ( mark 7;11-13). We must get back to the Bible and let it interpet itself. Jesus said; " truth will make you free" John8:32. Just look around in the buildings and see how much freedom the people are enjoying and you will know how much truth is being spoken. We must understand that worship is a way of life, not a song ,or dance or a play or program or going to a meeting on sundays. Worship is being crucified with Christ and allowing Him to live His life through you. ( Gal2:20 ) that is the gospel. Anything short of this then we must check to see if we have received another Jesus,gospel or wvwn another spirit ( 2 Cor 11:3,4 ) All this is scripture with no private interpetation. I firmly believe that the Church is a body and not a building. i believe the biggest problem today is that we worship our denominations and the preachers who are NOT all called of God just because they stand behind a pulpit. Also we as christians are not under the law any longer where we call a day The Sabbath(rest). Jesus is now our sabbath (Heb4 ) and He even said that He was The Lord of so in Him I fulfill The Sabbath. To much law and too much ritual have made the Word none effect ( mark 7;11-13). We must get back to the Bible and let it interpet itself. Jesus said; ” truth will make you free” John8:32. Just look around in the buildings and see how much freedom the people are enjoying and you will know how much truth is being spoken. We must understand that worship is a way of life, not a song ,or dance or a play or program or going to a meeting on sundays. Worship is being crucified with Christ and allowing Him to live His life through you. ( Gal2:20 ) that is the gospel. Anything short of this then we must check to see if we have received another Jesus,gospel or wvwn another spirit ( 2 Cor 11:3,4 ) All this is scripture with no private interpetation.

]]> By: Tim Hertzler http://www.georgebarna.com/2010/01/house-churches-isolationist-and-cult-like/comment-page-1/#comment-160 Tim Hertzler Tue, 09 Feb 2010 19:16:32 +0000 http://www.georgebarna.com/?p=159#comment-160 I'm a little late to this conversation. Not having read all the comments, I apologize if this point has already been made. Different types of organizations and structures all have inherent pros and cons. Talking about one side of the equation without acknowledging the other, is dishonest. To often we polarize an issue by focusing soley on the strengths or weaknesses of a topic. I believe House Churches have an inherent structural weakness with accountability and being connected. My guess is that the challenge in finding one, at least negates that inherent weakness. You must be motivated and committed to find and join a House Church. Therefore, the organization of House Churches (harder to find) self selects for people who are more committed in their desire for spiritual growth. It seems to me the focus ought to be more on the basic New Testament requirements for the structure of a Church. Then you can critically determine the strengths and weaknesses of a particular Church organization. In that understanding you then create strategies to maximize the strengths and avoid the weaknesses. Ultimately, you must be developing disciples of Jesus Christ who know how to live in community with one another. I’m a little late to this conversation. Not having read all the comments, I apologize if this point has already been made.

Different types of organizations and structures all have inherent pros and cons. Talking about one side of the equation without acknowledging the other, is dishonest. To often we polarize an issue by focusing soley on the strengths or weaknesses of a topic.

I believe House Churches have an inherent structural weakness with accountability and being connected. My guess is that the challenge in finding one, at least negates that inherent weakness. You must be motivated and committed to find and join a House Church. Therefore, the organization of House Churches (harder to find) self selects for people who are more committed in their desire for spiritual growth.

It seems to me the focus ought to be more on the basic New Testament requirements for the structure of a Church. Then you can critically determine the strengths and weaknesses of a particular Church organization. In that understanding you then create strategies to maximize the strengths and avoid the weaknesses. Ultimately, you must be developing disciples of Jesus Christ who know how to live in community with one another.

]]> By: David Hardy Jr http://www.georgebarna.com/2010/01/house-churches-isolationist-and-cult-like/comment-page-1/#comment-114 David Hardy Jr Sat, 30 Jan 2010 15:12:34 +0000 http://www.georgebarna.com/?p=159#comment-114 Mr. Barna, I see where you are going with that "philosophy" no intention of disrespect. The question I have for all those functions of reaction is Where does God begin to INFLUENCE our thinking (mind), feeling (heart), action (strength). I left faith out cause that is something we are given and empowered to do as we understand Grace. A step of faith cant be rationalized and sometimes its not always "easy". The reason why "most people" may be major on the one of those that’s most comfortable for them could possibly be for lack of truly understanding grace, which results in sometimes to the exclusion of the others. Christians would be better off truly understanding Gods Grace instead of building structure. I truly believe this can be a device for distraction whether for House or "Institutional" Church. Unfortunately there are imbalances in the integral delivery of biblical truths however, there are a number of sound bible teaching individuals that has a presence in the facility of a house and also building that is also referred to as "institutional" Church. Mr. Barna,

I see where you are going with that “philosophy” no intention of disrespect. The question I have for all those functions of reaction is Where does God begin to INFLUENCE our thinking (mind), feeling (heart), action (strength). I left faith out cause that is something we are given and empowered to do as we understand Grace. A step of faith cant be rationalized and sometimes its not always “easy”. The reason why “most people” may be major on the one of those that’s most comfortable for them could possibly be for lack of truly understanding grace, which results in sometimes to the exclusion of the others. Christians would be better off truly understanding Gods Grace instead of building structure. I truly believe this can be a device for distraction whether for House or “Institutional” Church. Unfortunately there are imbalances in the integral delivery of biblical truths however, there are a number of sound bible teaching individuals that has a presence in the facility of a house and also building that is also referred to as “institutional” Church.

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